WNC gardening symposium planning underway

We are pleased to announce that registration for the October 25 symposium is now open. This popular annual event, organized by Extension master gardeners from five counties (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, and Polk), offers a fun-filled day for all gardeners, with dynamic speakers, good food, great vendors, lots of door prizes, and goodie-loaded gift bags. It is held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Asheville-Biltmore.

Our theme this year is “Gazing Into the Future: What’s Coming in Gardening.” Tony Avent, founder of Plant Delights Nursery, will start us off with “New and Exciting Perennials” and will close the day with “Residential Design for Plant Enthusiasts,” where he will highlight modern trends in landscaping.

Foodscaper Brie Arthur will take us through growing with new technologies. Local favorites Tom Ranney and Craig Mauney will show us new plant introductions developed for our region for landscapes and vegetable gardens.

Postmark your registration by Sept. 19 and get the early-bird discount. See the events page at buncombemastergardener.org for the registration form and more details on the program.

– submitted by Jackie Weedon